Temperature Control in Children High temperatures are part of growing up, especially in the first five years of a child’s life. rapidly over a few hours. Some children often play as normal, even if they are developing something serious. Be alert and react early rather than late. Always keep antipyretics/suppositories in stock. Temperatures return every four hours – so be prepared! Current infections going around are gastroenteritis, chest infections and viral infections – and always keep bacterial infeciral infections are the most common tions in mind. cause of high temperatures. Look It’s difficult for working parents using dayfor signs of infection before you blame it care facilities - get a good support structure on teething. in place and speak to employers honestly A good thermometer is essential to moni- about the exact situation. tor accurate temperatures. I use the digital By Dr Raj Moethilalh, Specialist Paediatrician, consulting in thermometer, used over the forehead and Umhlanga, Isipingo Medical Towers and Kingsway Hospital. For even then I repeat it several times if the child bookings call 031 902 5440. is restless. Keep a record of the temperature to show your doctor. Normal body temperature is 37.2 degrees Celsius. A high temperature is anything above that. In case of a high temperature, you must react immediately! Remove all clothes and use an antipyretic e.g. paracetamol oral/suppository, wipe down with warm water – you can use a warm water shower. Don’t let the fever exceed 38 degrees Celsius, because of the risk of convulsions. Febrile convulsions occur in the age group 6 months to five years. Please note that convulsions can be caused by other conditions besides a high temperature. A high temperature sometimes indicates a serious infection requiring urgent medical attention - look for a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, neck stiffness, bleeding, foul-smelling urine, a cough, croup, rapid Shop 115, Liberty Mall Entrance 1 (Game Entrance) breathing, jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes or Tel: 033 342 2114 Head Office: 033 387 2411 contact with infections at school. Mobile/WhatsApp: 064 786 7868 / 082 619 0007 Seek urgent medical attention because Web: www.blingcreations.co.za children are fragile and can deteriorate very
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